Patients Rights and Responsibilities

In this Section

Patient Rights

In keeping with our mission, Columbia
St. Mary's has developed this document
consistent with the CSM Core Values.

Respect
A high regard for the worth, dignity and
uniqueness of each person.

Commitment to Excellence
A commitment to the highest standards
delivered with competence and pride.

Integrity
Honesty, openness and sincerity.

Creativity
Actions that are marked by innovation,
flexibility, openness to change and
imagination.

Service
Connecting with another person through
an act of assistance or benefit.

Columbia St. Mary's – a healthcare
provider founded in response to
identified community needs – is
sponsored by Ascension Health, a
Catholic national health system, and
Columbia Health System, a non-sectarian
community health system.

Columbia St. Mary's exists to make a
positive difference in the health status
and lives of individuals and our
community, with special concern for
those who are vulnerable.

At Columbia St. Mary's we are committed
to providing high quality, accessible,
values-driven programs and services with
equal attention to the physical,
spiritual, and emotional dimensions of
health.

We believe that a mutual understanding
of our goals and beliefs as a healthcare
provider will lead to a more meaningful
relationship with you and your family.

Believing the patient to be an integral member of the healthcare team,
Columbia St. Mary’s wants all patients and their families to know about
the following Patient Rights and Responsibilities. These rights and
responsibilities are designed to help assure safe and effective delivery
of healthcare at all Columbia St. Mary’s hospitals and facilities.

You have the right:

To be informed of the organization’s policy regarding
patient rights and responsibilities.

To be treated with consideration, respect, and
recognition of your individuality and personal needs.

To recognition of your personal dignity and the
psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural variables that
influence the perceptions of illness.

To access available pastoral care and other spiritual
services.

To an environment that respects your need for
confidentiality, privacy, and security.

To expect safe surroundings, free from all forms of
abuse or harassment.

To know who is treating you, as well as why they are
treating you.

To privacy and confidentiality of your medical
information.

To know your diagnosis and what to expect regarding your
healthcare choices.

To be involved in decisions about your care, treatment,
services, and care provider(s) with the exception of
requests which result in discrimination against
employees based on race/ethnicity, national origin,
religion, gender, lifestyle preference, age or
disability.

To provide consent before treatment is administered or
procedures are performed.

To be informed of the risks, side effects, and expected
results of the recommended treatment or procedures.

To be informed about the outcomes of your care,
treatment and services, including unanticipated
outcomes.

To refuse, withdraw and/or withhold treatment, and be
informed of the medical consequences of your decision.

To be involved in your pain management, which includes
being able to express your pain, have your pain
assessed, and have it managed using the most currently
accepted methods.

To give consent or refuse to participate in clinical
trials.

To request discharge and be discharged against medical
advice.

To be free from physical or chemical restraint and/or
seclusion that is not medically necessary.

To know what your medical record says, to request
changes where appropriate, and to receive an accounting
of disclosures regarding your personal health
information.

To request information regarding transfer to, or
treatment in another healthcare location and, except in
emergencies, to be given a full explanation for a
transfer if it is initiated by Columbia St. Mary’s.

To refuse transfer, except in emergencies, in
circumstances where provision has not been made for
continuing care and/or the receiving facility has not
accepted the transfer.

To information regarding advance directives and to have
assistance in formulating an advance directives
document.

To consent, limit, stop, and/or deny use of any
recording or filming related to your care.

To receive visitors, phone calls, and mail.

To receive information in a manner you understand,
including interpreter assistance when English is not
your primary language or if visual, hearing or cognitive
impairments prevent effective communication during your
hospital stay and/or clinic visit.

To access protective, legal, and advocacy services.

Patients who have a concern should contact the
Nurse Director and/or Patient Representative on duty. The Nurse Director
and/or Patient Representative will direct the concern to the appropriate
individual who will, in turn, act to resolve the matter to the patient’s
satisfaction. Should the patient wish to pursue the matter further, they
may address the concern to the Administration of the respective hospital
or clinic.

If the patient’s concern remains unresolved, the concern can be
addressed to: